Dance, MFA
Choreography, Performance, creative, dance, modern, movement, social, theater, urban
Expand your creative options and learn alongside a multifaceted community that encourages you to cultivate and recognize your strengths while deepening your connection to dance.
The Master of Fine Arts program in dance is typically accomplished during three years of residency.
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre is an inclusive and dynamic environment where students grow as artists, educators and scholars. The MFA in dance program welcomes a range of applicants, including returning dance professionals, who are experienced and interested in creative practices, somatics, teaching praxis, technology, community engagement, practices of equity and inclusion, professional partnerships, scholarship, arts advocacy, theoretical study and inquiry. Individuals whose approaches are transdisciplinary and cross-cultural in nature, who are self-motivated, and who have clear and demonstrated objectives are ideal for this program
The MFA in dance encourages in-depth study through a variety of dance practices and related fields. Each student develops creative work, scholarship and research that represents their specific perspective as a creative, thinker, teacher and arts advocate. Frequent showings are required for degree completion.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
60 credit hours and a portfolio
Students in the MFA program in dance take coursework in dance and related fields that have been designed to provide a broad and fundamental preparation for future careers. Opportunities on and off campus further develop the knowledge and skills students need to become leaders in the dance community through teaching, performing and creating, and engaging in scholarship and arts advocacy.
The MFA portfolio in dance serves as the culminating experience in the graduate dance curriculum. The portfolio takes into consideration the student's future goals and serves as a bridge to careers beyond graduate school.
Additional information on requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum check sheet at the bottom of the school's degree webpage.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- School of Music, Dance and Theatre application, including a personal statement, teaching sample, recent creative works and a current resume
- letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
All applicants should thoroughly review the application materials and deadlines on the program admission webpage.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 02/01 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Students will be able to create new artistic work or practices and processes in core areas of interest including: dance performance and creative practice, somatic inquiry, teaching praxis, technology, scholarship, and socially and community engaged practice.
- Students will develop relevant practical and theoretical frames for the analysis and teaching of dance.
- Students will develop creative and movement inquiry and research processes relevant to their chosen area of focus.
Graduates with an MFA degree in dance continue in the profession in a variety of settings and industries, including dance in higher education, commercial dance venues, arts organizations, community and wellness programs, professional dance companies, and stage production settings. For some, the degree serves as preparation for the study of dance or other disciplines at the Doctor of Philosophy level.
Graduates are empowered to secure employment at diverse international venues and events, and many work abroad as dance artists and educators. Global opportunities include university, professional or dance festival instruction; professional and community choreography creation; professional dance company performance; or independent artistry. Graduates have a number of full- and part-time employment opportunities around the world.
Opportunities may include work with:
- arts programming, grant writing and development
- choreography, dance, film or installation art
- community and social engagement
- dance curation
- education
- entrepreneurship
- performance
- research, scholarship and curricular development
- somatics
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
